The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday it rescued 10 Chinese after their tugboat lost engine power off Palawan.
The vessel identified as M/Tug Virgo was reported adrift about 43 nautical miles off Coron on Monday.
Coast Guard District Palawan dispatched BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), which located the tugboat the following day near Linapacan town. According to the PCG, all 10 crew members were declared to be in good condition after undergoing medical checks.
The vessel’s master told authorities they had departed Malaysia and were bound for China when the engine failed.
To prevent further risk, the Coast Guard vessel began towing the tugboat on Monday toward El Nido, Palawan, where it is awaiting assistance from its shipping company, which has arranged repairs and a rescue tug.
‘This successful operation highlights the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to safeguard lives and vessels at sea, whether foreign or domestic, within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction,’ the PCG said in a statement.
The incident adds to a series of maritime emergencies in Philippine waters this year, with the Coast Guard noting it routinely responds to vessels in distress regardless of flag or nationality.